A Big Bump Along The United Way

He who feeds upon charity has a cold dinner and no supper, wrote an English clergyman more than two centuries ago. William Aramony, the president of the United Way of America, is having no supper.

He has been forced to resign as head of the nation's largest network of charities because of his "lack of sensitivity," as he put it. He said he didn't pay enough "attention to details or the way some of my actions could have been perceived or my personal style could have been perceived by people."

The end came for him tragically. During his 22 years with United Way, the organization grew into a national network with a single name and a common stated purpose. United Way became the premier philanthropy agency in innovation, organization and access to America's workplaces for annual drives. Annual contributions are in excess of $3.1 billion.

After his many years of success, Mr. Aramony was scheduled to retire next year. But his excesses caught up with his successes. Reports of his lavish lifestyle, including first-class travels, limousines and a New York condominium spread like wildfire and dismayed United Way workers and contributors. His indulgence in patronage smacked of dynastic rule.

Chief executive officers of America's top corporations would probably think that Mr. Aramony's $463,463 package of salary and benefits is not out of line. But United Way is not a private business. It's a philanthropic organization that tries to appeal to millions of workers for a small percentage of their $25,000- or $30,000-a-year incomes.

All of which does not mean he is guilty of breaking laws or United Way's written rules. A preliminary investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing, and a Washington law firm is now reviewing the results of the investigation. But Mr. Aramony did not wait for the results to decide what's in the best interest of United Way. He resigned.

United Way chapters throughout the country, including the ones in the Hartford and Waterbury regions, are withholding their dues to the national organization until the air is cleared. We hope that is done by early spring, for America cannot afford to lose faith in